What to do and see in Columbus, Georgia (GA): The Best Sights & Landmarks

January 27, 2022 Moriah Teneyck

This bustling riverfront town offers good old-fashioned Southern hospitality, old-world charm and a treasure trove of discoveries for Civil War buffs. To really get the feel of another era, stroll through the National Historic District, a 28-block stretch of restored Victorian homes, gardens and gazebos, and tour the house museums in Heritage Corner. Situated on the Chattahoochee River, Columbus offers a mixture of old and new with the lovely 12-mile Columbus Riverwalk, which includes the Chattahoochee Promenade, a walking tour of historical markers. A chief supplier for the Confederate Army, the town's Civil War history is on display in myriad museums and historic sites like Port Columbus Civil War Naval Center, which contains some of the Civil War's most important artifacts. But it's not all just war memorabilia: Columbus boasts a rich cultural side, with opera, symphony and a performing arts center. And for family fun, head to the Coca-Cola Space Museum for a simulated flight and a look at the first Coke machine used in outer space.
Restaurants in Columbus

1. National Civil War Naval Museum

1002 Victory Drive, Columbus, GA 31901-3429 +1 706-327-9798 http://www.portcolumbus.org
Excellent
62%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 510 reviews

National Civil War Naval Museum

By telling the stories of the navies of the Civil War, we connect people with the past; giving them a better sense of place and time. Located in Columbus, Georgia, the National Civil War Naval Museum overlooks the Chattahoochee River. We house the largest surviving Confederate warship, the CSS Jackson, as well as the wreckage of the CSS Chattahoochee. Other exhibits include a full scale ship replica of the USS Water Witch, a replica of the USS Hartford with its berth deck, ward room and captain’s cabin, an actual cutter or "ship's boat" from the USS Hartford, a full scale replica of the USS Monitor’s famous turret, and an immersive panoramic dockside exhibit recreating Plymouth, North Carolina, complete with an exterior and interior view of the CSS Albemarle. Among our many artifacts, we have the largest collection of Civil War Naval-related flags on display in the country. The collection includes various flags from ships and coastal forts, signal flags and Admirals’ pennants.

Reviewed By msgttop - Tallahassee, United States

Must see if you are a Civil War buff or interested in American history. This is dedicated to ships and battles of the Civil War. There were a lot more iron clads on both sides than I realized. Highly informative with perfect displays documenting the conflict from both sides. Enjoy.

2. Columbus Riverwalk

Bay Avenue and 11th Street, Columbus, GA 39701 http://www.columbusga.org/parks/park_sites/riverwalk.htm
Excellent
65%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,056 reviews

Columbus Riverwalk

Reviewed By Ed0379 - Loganville, United States

My wife and I chose to stay at the Courtyard by Marriott in Phenix City, Alabama because it was the only hotel on the Riverwalk and a stone’s throw from the 14th Street Pedestrian Bridge, crossing the Chattahoochee River and state line. On this part of the Chattahoochee River, the Riverwalk is on both sides of the river. My wife and I walked a little on both sides around dusk. In the morning, I ran on both sides – probably one of my most scenic runs ever. I crossed the Hooch and state line twice, ran along river rapids, past mill ruins, two amphitheaters, several fishermen, Columbus State University, and take out points for rafts and kayaks. The River Walk is a real gem for the community.

3. 173rd Airborne Brigade Memorial

1775 Legacy Way, Columbus, GA 31903-3674 [email protected] http://www.173dairbornememorial.org/?fbclid=IwAR2v6y20mVLh3xtVyEqOQvoIy_3LyOq4_bCT2Gf2tWK8QXwyzt58UJlaClQ
Excellent
67%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

173rd Airborne Brigade Memorial

The 173d Airborne Brigade Memorial pays tribute to those Sky Soldiers who fell in combat while defending freedom. The Memorial is also dedicated to the families of the fallen Sky Soldiers and commemorates the distinguished and valorous record of all who have served in this Brigade.

4. Historic Linwood Cemetery

721 Linwood Boulevard, Columbus, GA 31901 +1 706-321-8285 http://linwoodcemetery.org/
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4 reviews

Historic Linwood Cemetery

Reviewed By dcmor - Tucson, United States

A lot of history in this cemetery. It was a pleasant walk. The historical plaques were helpful and interesting as well.

5. Heritage Corner

Columbus, GA http://www.exploresouthernhistory.com/gacolumbusheritage.html
Excellent
44%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
22%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 41 reviews

Heritage Corner

Located at 7th Street and Broadway in the Columbus historic district, this block has a row of 19th-century buildings and houses of different architectural styles. Among them is the home of Dr. John S. Pemberton, who invented the original formula for Coca-Cola.

6. Columbus Botanical Garden

3603 Weems Rd, Columbus, GA 31909-3701 +1 706-327-8400 http://www.columbusbotanicalgarden.com
Excellent
50%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
7%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 56 reviews

Columbus Botanical Garden

Reviewed By super66shazbot - Carmel, United States

A low key facility, informal and comfortable. There were flowers in bloom, camellias in particular. Plenty of room for the kids to run.

7. Shooters of Columbus

4445 Milgen Rd, Columbus, GA 31907-1210 +1 706-568-9313 [email protected] http://www.shootersofcolumbus.com/
Excellent
57%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
7%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 14 reviews

Shooters of Columbus is a full line Gun shop and shooting range specializing in most major brands of firearms. Shooters of Columbus has been serving the Columbus and Fort Benning area since 1995. Shooters is U.S. Army Veteran and Woman owned. We look forward to serving you and your needs. Our goal at Shooters of Columbus is to give you peace. Peace of mind with the ability and knowledge to be able to either have an enjoyable hobby or to be able to defend yourself if ever a need should arise.

Reviewed By saintnick61 - Columbus, United States

This is the "bring a chair and cooler I'm home" shooting supply store. Rivals most any other firearms and bow hunter related store if not one of the top.

8. Kadie the Cow of Columbus

Columbus, GA http://www.facebook.com/pages/kinnett-dairies/119420784750302
Excellent
37%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
30%
Poor
10%
Terrible
10%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 99 reviews

Kadie the Cow of Columbus

A large statue of a cow standing in front of a dairy.

Reviewed By CowEnthusiast123

I would give Kadie 100/10 if I could. We were finally allowed to travel again after Covid-19 and the 12 hour car ride was definitely worth it. After reading about Kadie's history for months, seeing her in all of her glory brought tears to my eyes. I would cross oceans to see Kadie. Will definitely be back. We plan to visit the other cows like Kadie across the country!

9. Columbus Civic Center

400 4th St, Columbus, GA 31901-3211 +1 706-653-4472 [email protected] http://civiccenter.columbusga.gov
Excellent
57%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
43%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 7 reviews

Reviewed By N8006HYhelenw

Love how things flowed so smoothly as to access to handicap parking, no long wait for entry, clean bathrooms, very eager .kind and helpful staff. I would recommend any sports or entertainment events performed at this facility. Sincerely, Helen Wood

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.